Norwich V Sheffield United: Match Report

Norwich finally won a game at Carrow Road this season thanks to an excellent goal from Lee Croft in the 92^nd minute. It was a surprise because the game seemed to be heading for a 0-0 draw and the majority of the better chances fell to Sheffield United. However in the end it was Norwich who collected all three points and moved up to 11^th in the table.

Glenn Roeder decided to ring the changes with a disappointing performance against QPR. In came Ostsembor, Drury, Grounds and Croft. Marshall was behind a new look back four of Drury (making his first start of the season), Grounds, Omozusi and Ostsembor. The midfield four consisted of Bertrand, Fotheringham, Pattison and Croft and it was Russell and Sibierski up front. This meant the likes of Hoolahan and Lupoli had to settle for the bench. Obviously John Kennedy was ruled out and was joined by Dejan Stefanovic, who failed a late fitness test.

Norwich started the game brightly with good possession, but found it hard to create clear cut openings. However it was immediately clear what a difference Croft and Ostsembor were making down the right hand side. As the half wore on Sheffield United began to come into the contest more and more. Norwich weren't helped by an early injury, as Pattision was forced off in the 25^th minute and was replaced by Lupoli. This meant a minor reshuffle with Russell dropping back into the midfield. Marshall was the more worked keeper in the first half pulling off superb saves from Gary Speed and a well struck free kick from David Cotterill. Billy Sharp had another afternoon to forget in front of the Barclay as he used his pace to get clear of Grounds, but fired his shot wide, when it looked easier to hit the target. The first half finished with some nervy moments for the city defence, but they held firm.

HT: Norwich City 0 Sheffield United 0

The second half followed a similar pattern with Sheffield United pushing forward and Norwich looking to hit them on the break. The later the half wore on the stronger Norwich started to become and hope was emerging that Norwich might just snatch the win. This was helped by the introduction of substitutes Wes Hoolahan and Jamie Cureton. Kenny was forced into one good save from Sibierski and then Russell fired just over the bar. Disaster very nearly struck in the 89^th minute when Danny Webber got clear, but like Sharp before him fluffed his shot and allowed Marshall to save. Sheffield United started another attack, but this time Norwich intercepted and with players pushed forward, Lee Croft saw his opportunity and with pace attacked and then played a clever one-two with Cureton collecting the ball and then burst into the box and brilliantly turned his man before firing past Kenny. The shot in actual fact took a wicked deflection off the head of Morgan, but Croft will claim this one. Norwich had won the game in the 92^nd minute and the Barclay went crazy.

Final Verdict

This was not a great performance by Norwich and at times I felt there was too many long balls played, but it was vital to get a result. Norwich can improve, but with two games to come against struggling Barnsley and Southampton presents a real opportunity to rise up the table.